Moving first and fixing later is costly. Here’s the order of operations before landing in a new tax home.
Inventory gains and elections. List assets with latent gains: private shares, funds, options, crypto, carried interest. Some jurisdictions allow basis “step-ups” or disregard pre-arrival gains if structured correctly (verify latest).
Cap table housekeeping. Exercise options, close PFIC-like exposures, and tidy shareholder loans before moving. Clarify which entities are active trades vs holding vehicles.
Banking & reporting ready. Align bank KYC with your destination residency story. Prepare SoW/SoF packs and prior tax returns—immigration and banking ask similar questions.
Treaty tie-breakers & calendars. Map split-year rules, center-of-vital-interests tests, and school/home moves. Paper trails beat memories.
Family & trusts. Review trust deeds, letters of wishes, and distribution policies; classifications can change on arrival.
Case snapshot. A founder sells a minority stake before relocating, locks in a home-country rate, and arrives with a cleaner balance sheet. A residency letter and travel diary support split-year treatment.
FAQ
- Should I sell everything pre-move? Not always; model both sides before acting.
- Do I need to tell banks I’m moving? Yes—addresses, tax residencies, and CRS forms must align.
Editor’s Note: Pre-immigration planning is sequencing, not speed.
Tags: Pre-Immigration, Capital Gains, Treaties, Banking